The U.S. Coast Guard has come to the conclusion that the cargo ship El Faro, which went missing near the Bahamas, sank after it was caught in the path of Hurricane Joaquin, a spokesman revealed Monday.
Rescuers had conducted a search for survivors over the weekend after contact with the ship was lost after it sent out a distress call Thursday, reported Reuters. At first, all searchers could find was debris, but now the U.S. Coast Guard reports that a body was recently discovered as well.
The 735-foot cargo ship, with 33 people aboard - 28 U.S. citizens and five Polish nationals - was en route to San Juan, Puerto Rico after leaving Jacksonville, Fla., according to Fox News.
However, the ship reported losing propulsion, listing and taking on water after sailing into high speed winds caused by Joaquin off Crooked Island in the Bahamas Thursday, according to El Faro's owner Tote Maritime Puerto Rico.
The Coast Guard reported losing contact with the ship since it sent the distress call.
On Sunday, aircrews found a "debris field" of wood, cargo and other items in the vicinity of the ship's last known position, according to NBC News.
#BreakingNews @USCGSoutheast C-130 just lands, reports 225 SqMi debris field of styrofoam, wood, cargo, other items. pic.twitter.com/4us2EP4L4C
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) October 4, 2015
There was no confirmation that the debris belonged to the El Faro, though the Coast Guard and Tote Maritime confirm spotting an oil sheen, container and life ring from the ship.
In a statement, company president Tim Nolan said that despite the discovery "there has been no sighting of the El Faro or any life boats."
